Today, IMSO conducted a technical verification exercise with Inmarsat to confirm that, even where a satellite terminal is restricted for commercial or regulatory reasons, the core safety services required under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) remain fully operational.
This exercise follows a similar verification test carried out with Iridium on 9 December 2025.
These tests were required by the IMSO Directorate in the context of its oversight responsibilities, with the objective of ensuring that recognized GMDSS satellite service providers remain fully compliant with the IMO regulatory framework and that safety of life communications continue to be available at all times, irrespective of the commercial or regulatory status of GMDSS terminals onboard ships.
The verification exercises confirmed that distress alerting and associated GMDSS safety communications remain available as required, providing reassurance to Administrations and the wider maritime community.
The tests were conducted under the authority of the IMSO Directorate, involving Laurent Parenté, Director General, Halil Keskin, Head of Operational Services and Philip Lane, Technical Officer. The exercises were carried out in coordination with the Inmarsat technical team, led by John Dodd, with the participation of Asha Parmar, Safety Technical and Operations Manager and Alison Horrocks, Chief Corporate Officer.
Ensuring the availability, and reliability of GMDSS services remains a core responsibility of IMSO. Targeted verification activities of this nature form an essential part of its role in supporting the international maritime safety framework.
